As if Josh McDaniels backing out of the Indianapolis Colts’ head coaching job weren’t bad enough, there’s another layer adding further complications to the situation.
The Colts have already signed three of McDaniels’ assistant coaches to contracts: Matt Eberflus as defensive coordinator; Mike Phair as defensive line coach; and Dave DeGuglielmo as offensive line coach. The MMQB’s Albert Breer says the Colts will honor the contracts regardless of who their next head coach is.
We mentioned earlier today that Colts had deals to hire Matt Eberflus (DC), Dave DeGuglielmo (OL coach) and Mike Phair (DL coach). Source says Indy plans to do right by them. They'll have jobs (if they want them), regardless of HC.
— Albert Breer (@AlbertBreer) February 7, 2018
After appearing to have landed McDaniels as their new head coach, the Colts will now have to reset and continue their search for Chuck Pagano’s successor. In a stunning development, Indianapolis went from announcing an agreement with McDaniels to being informed he had a change of heart in the same day.
Honoring the contracts of the coaches is a good look by the Colts. However, the coaches involved are now faced with decisions of their own. Should they stay, they will be doing so to work with a head coach who did not choose them. If they leave, it would be understandable given the unforeseen circumstances.
